3(a) Harp Style Basics

One of the reasons DADGAD is an attractive tuning
is that it encourages playing melodies across the
strings. Melodies are often played in a linear
fashion on the guitar, with several notes being
played in succession on the same string. In this
case, in order to play a new note, the previous one
must be ended. A nice effect is created when
neighboring notes of a melody are played across two
different strings, allowing the first note to
sustain while the second is played. With DADGAD,
this effect can readily be extended to runs of 4 or
5 notes hence the name harp style guitar. With
DADGAD however, this quickly becomes a bit tiring
for listeners and some thought is needed to make
this technique work.

Here are some simple D major and minor scales played in a cascading pattern
across the strings. In all of these exercises right hand organization really
helps. Try to avoid using the same picking finger twice in a row.